A Washington rideshare accident attorney can help individuals who have been injured or harmed as a result of an accident involving a rideshare driver or their vehicle. As the use of rideshare applications has increased, lawsuits may be filed in the event of a rideshare accident due to the negligence of the driver or company. People who have been injured in accidents involving a rideshare automobile could be eligible to recover compensation with the help of a Washington rideshare accident lawyer.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington today. Our consultations are free, confidential and without any obligation on your part. We can help answer your questions, and if you choose to pursue a claim we can connect you with an affiliated Washington rideshare accident attorney who can assist you throughout the legal process.
What is a Rideshare?
As an option to traditional forms of carpooling and public transit, ridesharing gives passengers the option to request a ride at the tap of a button. Ridesharing has become a popular form of transportation in major cities across the U.S., including Washington. Uber and Lyft are both available in a number of cities throughout Washington state, including Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane.
In order to catch a ride, passengers make a request through the rideshare company’s app on their smartphone. Drivers who are nearby accept the request, and the passenger is given relevant information about the driver and estimated arrival time. Once a passenger arrives at their destination, their ride fare is calculated automatically and charged to an account electronically linked to the passenger’s app.
Rideshare Lawsuit Claims
Rideshare lawsuits allege that some drivers were negligent in accidents that occurred while drivers were working for rideshare service companies Lyft and Uber. Because many drivers who work for rideshare companies are considered to be users of the application platform and not employees, those who have been injured in accidents involving Lyft and Uber drivers may have trouble determining who is legally responsible should an accident occur. With the help of a rideshare accident attorney, people who are injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare driver may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for their injuries.
Car Accident Injuries
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), millions of accidents involving motor vehicles occur every year in the United States. In 2015, there were a total of 568 traffic fatalities in the state of Washington.
Common injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents include:
- Head injuries
- Spine damage
- Back injuries
- Whiplash
- Facial injuries
- Internal injuries, including injuries to the kidneys, spleen, liver, lungs and heart
In addition to physical injuries that drivers and passengers may receive as a result of a car accident, some people may suffer short or long-term psychological injuries, including emotional distress, posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression.
How a Washington Rideshare Accident Attorney Can Help
Rideshare companies and their drivers have a duty to provide a safe environment for its passengers, drivers, other commuters, and pedestrians. If there are risks of harm associated with rideshare company drivers, the company must also provide adequate warnings and safeguards. If a driver fails to fulfill this duty, they, as well as the company, could be held liable in lawsuits for injuries that may result.
People injured as a result of a car accident involving a rideshare car through no fault of their own may be eligible to recover money for:
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
- Pain and Suffering
The families of those who have died in car accidents may be eligible to recover money for funeral expenses and the pain that comes with losing a loved one.
The Time You Have to Pursue a Claim is Limited. Contact Us Today.
For more information, contact Attorney Group for Washington. You can fill out the form on this page or contact us by phone or email.
After you contact us, an attorney will follow up to answer questions that you might have. There is no cost or obligation to speak with us, and any information you provide will be kept confidential.
Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, you should not delay taking action.
